Kelowna family funds Field Reading Room at UBC Okanagan

A gift of $104,000 from Kelowna residents Brad and Lori Field has allowed UBC Okanagan to renovate study space in the UBC Okanagan Library to establish the Field Reading Room for students.

“The Field Reading Room provides students with a warm, inviting place to reflect, write, study and collaborate,” said Doug Owram, Deputy Vice Chancellor at UBC Okanagan, as he joined the Field family in officially opening the facility on Tuesday afternoon. “Naming this space the Field Reading Room recognize the generous gift from Brad and Lori Field, who are long-time Kelowna residents, civic leaders, dedicated volunteers, and parents of a UBC Okanagan student.”

“This space combines state-of-the-art computer technology with traditional furniture design and comfortable seating areas,” said Ian Cull, Associate Vice President, Students. “The room will be used by all faculties and students on campus and will provide students with an enhanced study space.”

“I am proud to have the Field name associated with UBC Okanagan,” said Brad Field. “Our family has been in Kelowna for over 25 years and we have seen the city grow and mature in many ways, but the establishment of the university and all that it will contribute is the crowning jewel for this great community. I look forward to both of our kids – and possibly their kids -- benefiting from having this world-class facility at their doorstep.”

“I am in the unique position of being a donor to the university, an employee of the university and a part-time student,” said Lori Field. “UBC has been a rewarding experience for me in all of these facets. I am a great believer in higher education and am excited to be part of the development of UBC Okanagan.”

Prior to extensive renovations made possible by the Fields’ gift, the area in the southwest corner of the library’s main floor was standard space filled with study carrels. A large acrylic-on-canvas painting entitledInterference IV (Book), created by and donated to UBC Okanagan by Bryan Ryley, Associate Professor of Visual Arts, is now part of UBC Okanagan’s permanent collection and is featured in the new Field Reading Room.

Brad and Lori Field are long-time residents of Kelowna and the founders of Pacific Safety Products. Brad Field is currently on the Board of Directors of Pacific Safety Products and Infinity Alliance Ventures Inc. He also serves as director for the Cops for Kids Foundation, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, St. John’s Ambulance Branch Executive Committee, and the Economic Development Commission. He received the Priory of Canada Life-Saving Award in 2005 for providing medical assistance to the victim of an automobile accident.

Lori Field works at UBC Okanagan in the Department of Health and Wellness and is on the Board of Directors for the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society and is a co-chair (Ceremonies) of volunteers for the 2008 B.C. Summer Games.

The Fields have a daughter attending UBC Okanagan and a son in high school.